The courthouse was cold, the kind of cold that seeped into your bones and made everything feel heavier. Roxy sat at the plaintiff's table with Luke, Alex, and Reggie flanking her like a protective wall. The boys had cleaned up for the occasion—button-up shirts and slacks instead of their usual band tees and ripped jeans. Roxy, however, still clung to her Y2K aesthetic, wearing a cherry-print dress and platform shoes. She needed a piece of herself in the sterile environment of the courtroom.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0cn5gCQ79
At the defense table, her parents, Evie and Axel, sat rigid and tense. They exchanged whispered arguments, avoiding Roxy’s gaze entirely.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YziSzIuw2
“All rise,” the bailiff announced as the judge entered. Everyone stood, their breaths collectively held.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHORs0ya0o
“Be seated,” the judge said, adjusting his glasses as he looked through the case file. “We’re here today regarding the custody of Roxy Stars. It has been alleged that her biological parents, Evie and Axel Stars, are unfit to care for her. Representing her interests are Mr. Luke Patterson, Mr. Alexander Mercer, and Mr. Reginald Peters.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQskVcUMspv
Roxy glanced at Luke, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alex squeezed her hand under the table, and Reggie flashed a quick, encouraging smile.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmguUbvIO0v
The judge cleared his throat. “Let’s begin with testimony. Miss Stars, would you like to speak?”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HVSiJqsz9
Roxy swallowed hard. Her palms were clammy, and her heart raced, but she stood up, her legs shaking slightly. “Y-yes, Your Honor.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3RTvJnJLy
She stepped to the stand, her voice trembling as she began. “I’m Roxy Stars. I’m sixteen years old. For as long as I can remember, my parents haven’t been… parents. They’ve hurt me—not physically, but emotionally. They call me names, tell me I’m worthless, and ignore me when I need them most. It’s made me feel like… like I don’t matter.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu5AtmQXGG
Her voice broke, but she pushed on. “Because of them, I’ve struggled with self-harm. I didn’t want to, but it felt like the only way to cope with the pain they caused. Luke, Alex, and Reggie—they found out. They didn’t judge me. They helped me. They made me feel like I mattered.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ke3cnbmYY
The courtroom was silent, the weight of her words sinking into everyone present. Roxy glanced at her parents, who avoided her eyes, their expressions unreadable.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEAvMSgCt8
The judge leaned forward, his face softening. “Thank you, Miss Stars. You’ve shown great bravery today.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIgAZ5Rso5
Roxy returned to her seat, and Luke immediately leaned in. “You did amazing,” he whispered.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSvc6e4n9e
Roxy smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love you too.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CHtYaoO8f
Luke’s eyes softened, and he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “We’ve got you.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jp4VDEDfC
Next, the boys took turns testifying.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc5GFm3WL3
Luke spoke first, his voice firm and steady. “Your Honor, we’ve known Roxy for a long time. She’s talented, kind, and way stronger than she thinks. Her parents have done nothing but tear her down. We want to give her a real home, a place where she feels safe and loved.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZVqtuvib2
Alex followed, his words deliberate. “Roxy deserves stability. We may not be traditional guardians, but we care about her like family. We’re willing to do whatever it takes to make sure she’s happy and healthy.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrZzTWY4No
Finally, Reggie stepped up, his usual humor absent. “Your Honor, I’ve seen what Roxy’s been through. No one should have to feel that alone. We just want to make her life better.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelCm7AhJ8E
The judge nodded thoughtfully, taking notes. Then it was Evie and Axel’s turn.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KCJk89c54
Evie stood, her arms crossed. “Your Honor, they’re just kids themselves. How can they take care of Roxy better than we can?”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJpsGxrpuh
Axel chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, they’re probably going to make a kid of their own before they know it.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7Od4Hn3om
Luke stiffened but didn’t rise to the bait. Alex rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, “Classy.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jokjkqf6K
Reggie, clueless as ever, blinked. “Wait, what does that even mean?”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjL0kZAplP
The judge frowned. “This is a court of law, not a place for petty insults. If you cannot behave respectfully, you will be removed.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49A1XoFIKq
Evie huffed, crossing her arms again, while Axel leaned back in his chair, clearly annoyed.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7pflMoBTi
The judge turned back to the boys. “You’re young. Why do you think you can handle the responsibility of caring for a teenager?”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmgaW0rI1F
Luke stood again, his voice unwavering. “Because we love her. We’re a team, Your Honor. We have a stable living situation, and we’ll make sure she gets everything she needs—emotionally, physically, and financially.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0TyTwSZG7
The judge looked at Roxy. “And is this what you want, Miss Stars?”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9WAMNa7jJ
Roxy nodded emphatically. “Yes, Your Honor. They’re the only people who’ve ever made me feel safe. They’re my family now.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ikrlVDzHV
The judge sighed, leaning back in his chair. “This is an unusual case. However, given the evidence and testimony, I believe it’s clear that Miss Stars’s best interests lie with Mr. Patterson, Mr. Mercer, and Mr. Peters.”
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mf2yqswUM
Roxy’s heart leapt as the judge continued. “I’m granting custody to them effective immediately. Court is adjourned.”
ns3.147.8.67da2
